ThunderPSU – Dreamcast Replacement Power Supply

ThunderPSU (also known as ThunderDream) is a replacement power supply unit for the Sega Dreamcast console from Thundertronics.net. There are several after-market PSUs available for the Dreamcast, most use a modified PicoPSU and an external power supply. These devices vary in quality but, generally, fall short of the reliability and noise free performance of the stock power supply. Not so the ThunderPSU; this is a professionally made universal, internal Dreamcast power supply. We are confident that this product is the best replacement power supply on the market for this console, easily outperforming other 3rd party PSUs and even the original stock unit.

The ThunderPSU boasts the following features:-

• Universal input, so it can handle any input voltage automatically, safely use the PSU anywhere in the world
• Professionally designed using premium quality parts and the best engineering design approaches
• Built for perfection, rather than budget
• Very low noise, less than 30mV p-p at full load inside the console (not an outside resistive load)
• Low heat generation, much better thermals than all other solutions
• Plug-and-play. No soldering, modding or cutting
• Medically rated, extremely safe CE certified power module which guarantees utmost safety and performance
• High power output, rated for 30 watts, 8 watts more than the original PSU. More than enough for any Dreamcast mods you may have installed
• Uses the same C7 power cable as the original PSU. Does NOT need an external power brick

Proven performance

No need to take our word for it, Thundertronics have provided oscilloscope measurements to prove the PSU is super low ripple/noise.

ThunderPSU oscilloscope measurements are available here.

Original Sega PSU oscilloscope measurements are available here.

The data displays that between 15-30mV p-p is produced at full load by the console. These are real active load results, a resistive dummy load would not exercise the true ripple and noise capabilities of any power supply. The Dreamcast can cause power draw spikes at 50Hz or 60Hz intervals which can cause noise, ripple or instabilities in cheap power supplies.

The original Dreamcast power supply is about 80-90 mV p-p of ripple while ThunderPSU is 15-30.

The ThunderPSU’s sold by VideoGamePerfection.com are revision 2 units. Revision 2 has the following changes:

• Uses readily available components to speed up manufacturing
• Uses high quality polymer capacitors instead of regular electrolytic capacitors
• Uses a genuine Panasonic polymer capacitor at the main output along with ceramics. All low ESR capacitors to deliver optimum performance
• The main input connector features a metal strip, which is exactly like the original PSU and provides a more robust connector
• Four layer board which improves noise attenuation
• Matte black colour, more beautiful than regular black
• Various other minor changes

Should you “upgrade” from rev 1 to rev 2? No, this is not necessary.